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Kinetics of vapor-phase electrochemical oxidative dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene

Journal Article · · J. Catal.; (United States)

The vapor-phase electrochemical oxidative dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to styrene was studied at 575/sup 0/C and atmosperhic pressure on a polycrystalline platinum electrocatalyst in a stabilized zirconia electrochemical reactor. Electrochemical supply of oxygen to the electrocatalytic surface increases both the dehydrogenation rate and the deep oxidation rate. Carbon dioxide formation is oxygen-limited and its rate is linear in current density. The dehydrogenation rate is enhanced as much as 600% by moderate current densities; this electrocatalytic enhancement reaches an ethylbenzene-concentration-dependent asymptote at larger current densities. Addition of gas-phase hydrogen suppresses both the deep oxidation rate and the current-induced increase of the dehydrogenation rate. A two-site Langmuir-Hinshelwood type reaction mechanism is proposed which quantitatively describes these results from a surface oxidative dehydrogenation step in which adsorbed ethylbenzene reacts with oxidized surface sites to form styrene and water.

Research Organization:
Massachusetts Inst. of Tech., Cambridge
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-80ER10694
OSTI ID:
6942772
Journal Information:
J. Catal.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Catal.; (United States) Vol. 85:2; ISSN JCTLA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English